One DIY CO2 Question

Hey all. I'm going to be setting up DIY CO2 on my 55gal this week (finally went out and bought the yeast...just need to clean out the bottles I have and drill the tops), but I have a concern. How do I keep the water warm enough to keep the reaction going? My house dips down into the mid- to low-60s at night and I'm afraid the water will cool down too much to continue the production of CO2. Am I concerned over nothing or is there a simple "duh" solution to my concern?

 

you dont. once the reaction has started it will keep going.
heat actually kills the cultures in the yeast.
as long as you have enough sugar (fuel) then the reaction will stop.
what recipe are you using?
get it started and wait an hour then hook it up to the system. after that, keep an eye on it. depending on the measurements it should last 10 days or so.

 

Not sure what recipe I'll be using. I have two 1 gallon bottles that I will be using for the system, though.

 

you should stagger them. use 1 for a while to figure out how long the mixture will last, then halfway through the bottle add the next one so the tank gets a constant supply

 

IME it's impossible to keep DIY co2 going at a steady rate, it fluctuates a lot based on individual cultures and temperature. I tried it for a few months but got sick of the BBA/Staghorn that came with it.

 

I use DIY CO2 on my 90G tank. I have 6 2-liter bottles and stagger them by changing out 2 bottles each week. The solution lasts up to a month for me. By staggering the bottles, I am able to keep the CO2 as constant as possible.

Now, as for the solution, I am currently using 1 tsp yeast (store it in the freezer), 2 cups sugar, enough warm water to fill each bottle 3/4.

As for keeping the yeast solution as a constant temp, I've heard others add the bottle(s) to the sump system, use heat lamps, or let nature take its course (my option). My house cools off over night, but I figure that as the plants are also producing CO2, that it doesn't matter. Then, each morning, I give each bottle a shake to release the CO2 and get things moving again.

It is definitely more challenging keeping this system going through the winter months, but it has worked out for me. I'd love to purchase a CO2 system, but simply cannot afford one at this time.

Good luck!

 

I started a diy as well. My only problem is keeping the freaking bottles sealed tight. I used hot glue but it broke, so I bought clear silicone and sealed it with that...this was 3 hours ago which is how long your supposed to let it dry before letting any water hit it. I'm not confident in it though. We'll see.
I would love to have an actual co2 system but refuse to buy 2 systems for my size tank $70, then $8 for refills. It probably cost them less then 10 to make.

 

I started a diy as well. My only problem is keeping the freaking bottles sealed tight. I used hot glue but it broke, so I bought clear silicone and sealed it with that...this was 3 hours ago which is how long your supposed to let it dry before letting any water hit it. I'm not confident in it though. We'll see.

I drilled holes smaller than my airline tubing. This makes the system self-sealing!!